Holo may lte vs denafrips terminator 2 vs musetec da005

Last November my order for the Holo Spring 3 KTE arrived and I've commented in other threads about my experience with this similarly priced DAC. Priced nearer to the 005 without an onboard chip though it performs in NOS mode exactly the same as the May and has the same USB board. I settled on this model after realizing HQPlayer would simulate a representation of chip playback through R2R which is what the May does. Best of both worlds and saved 2k.

--Another Jerry

@manogolf I too strongly considered the Holo Spring 3, which can be bought with a decent pre-amp too. Mainly because I didn't want a 2 box setup, as the Holo May.

The Spring is lower spec than the May that's why I went for the 005. I've always used chip DACs so no issues there. The 005 is NOS and NUS no issues there anyway because I use an Aurender.

The Spring probably is one of the best single box ladder DACs in this price category at present.

The Holo replaced a chip DAC not out of necessity rather I wanted to experience the R2R presentation. After learning what the 005 does I may place it aside the Spring just because. The piling on effect was Holo Serene pre amp with no regrets.

An aside. I acquired the Serene from a fellow A'goner which was an excellent experience

@manogolf Yes a side by side comparison of the Spring and 005 both using the Serene pre-amp would be very interesting.

The break in on the 005 is a bummer though but once you get there it's all worthwhile.

It's important to read about the DPLL settings in the online manual though.

Good Luck!